Some senior Maoist leaders have reportedly been infected with Covid-19 raising serious concerns over the health of those living in the Red rebel-hit areas, especially in the bordering villages of Odisha.
As many of the ultras are avoiding timely checkups and roaming in the border areas with other states, it has increased the risk of villagers coming in contact with the virus.
As per reports, as many as seven Maoists of the Dandakaranya division have so far succumbed to the infection. Moreover, top Maoist cadre Hidamba is also reportedly critical after contracting the virus.
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Even though the Covid-19 threat looms large over the entire State, Maoists are reportedly holding mass meetings without adhering to the Covid-19 norms.
"Due to the irresponsible behaviour of the Maoists ultras, the virus has been spreading in the region. As per the information released by the Red rebels, seven top-level ultras, including Haribhusan and Sobhrai have succumbed to the disease while others like Sonu, Binod, Rajesh and Nanda are depending on forest medicines for Covid treatment," informed Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallav.
Earlier, the DH, Odisha Police, Abhay had appealed to the Maoists to surrender and get treatment as per the government norms if infected by the virus.